Reye's syndrome facts

Reye's syndrome is a grave reaction of children to
certain viral infections. The exact cause of the reaction is unknown.

The viral infections most closely associated with Reye's
syndrome are chickenpox (varicella) and
influenza (flu).

Giving aspirin to
children with these illnesses
increases their chance for Reye's syndrome.

Reye's syndrome causes brain swelling and
fatty disease
of the liver and kidneys. Other common symptoms and signs include recurrent vomiting, listlessness, irritability or combativeness, disorientation or confusion, delirium, convulsions, and loss of consciousness.

Reye's syndrome can be treated but may have a poor prognosis; all too often it is lethal despite treatment.

Reye's syndrome can be prevented by not giving aspirin or
aspirin-containing products to children.

What is Reye's syndrome?

Reye's syndrome (RS) is primarily a children's disease, although it can occur
at any age. It affects all organs of the body but is most harmful to the brain
and the liver--causing an acute increase of pressure within the brain and,
often, massive accumulations of fat in the liver and other organs. RS is defined
as a two-phase illness because it generally occurs in conjunction with a
previous viral infection, such as the flu or chicken pox. The disorder commonly
occurs during recovery from a viral infection, although it can also develop 3 to
5 days after the onset of the viral illness. RS is often misdiagnosed as
encephalitis, meningitis,diabetes, drug overdose,
poisoning, sudden infant death
syndrome, or psychiatric
illness. Symptoms of RS include persistent or recurrent vomiting, listlessness, personality changes such as irritability or combativeness, disorientation or confusion, delirium, convulsions, and loss of consciousness. If these symptoms are present during or soon after a viral illness, medical attention should be sought immediately. The symptoms of RS in
infants do not follow a typical pattern; for example, vomiting does not always occur. Epidemiologic evidence indicates that aspirin (salicylate) is the major preventable risk factor for Reye's syndrome. The mechanism by which aspirin and other salicylates trigger Reye's syndrome is not completely understood. A "Reye's-like" illness may occur in children with genetic metabolic disorders and other toxic disorders. A physician should be consulted before giving a child any aspirin or anti-nausea medicines during a viral illness, which can mask the symptoms of RS.